Columbia, Mo. - The No. 1 seeded Central Methodist Soccer team opened national tournament play with an 8-0 shut out over No. 4 Saint Mary in the First Round of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Thursday evening in Columbia, Mo. 

With the win, the Eagles improve their overall record to 16-0-5 and advance to the Second Round of the Columbia Bracket Saturday afternoon. Saint Mary sees its season come to an end with a final mark of 13-5-3. 

Central jumped out in front with three goals in the first 30 minutes of play. Guilherme Pereira started the scoring with goals in the 10th and 20th minute. The third goal of the match came off the foot of Stefano Campisi, who converted a penalty kick in the 30th minute. 

CMU racked up five more second half goals, with scores coming from Jeremiah Johnson (47'), Campisi (61'), Martin O'Toole (82'), Alessandro Lacerti (86'), and Koen Schimmel (89'). 

Overall, Central's offense racked up 21 total shots including 11 on goal, compared to six shots and three on goal for the Spires. Campisi led CMU with four shots, a pair of goals, and an assist. Pereira and J. Johnson finished the evening with three shots each, including two goals for Pereira and one for Johnson. 

Schimmel and Liam Arthur each dished out one assist. 

Beer De Vos earned his 13th win of the year between the posts, recording three saves in the first 45 minutes of action. Yannick Schoeni came in relief for the final 45 to preserve the shut out. 

Central will next face No. 2 seeded Rio Grand in the NAIA National Championship Second Round Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1:00 p.m. in Columbia, Mo. CMU defeated the Red Storm in last year's Opening Round 3-2. 

With a victory, the Eagles would advance to the Final Site for the fifth consecutive season. 

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